In the physical world, Anthony's eyes snapped open.
He was still gripped by the Executioner's massive hand around his neck.
Yet, even after death, the Executioner remained standing, as immovable and unyielding as a titan.
Without hesitation, Anthony teleported out of the Executioner's grasp, appearing beside Reynold, Kingsley, Seraphim, and Dale.
The moment the Executioner had perished, they were freed from the unnatural freeze that had held them captive.
There was no more energy sustaining the Executioner's skill, and with his demise, the hold on them dissolved.
"Captain"
Dale, Reynold, and Seraphim tried to rise to their feet with strained grunts, their bodies battered and bloodied.
Wounds marred their forms, and the faint remnants of sword marks and lingering Intent clung to their skin like stubborn shadows.
Healing potions, though effective, were not omnipotent.
They could mend broken flesh and regrow severed limbs, but their power had limits.
